Coming-Out

Coming-Out

There is a deciding phase in the life of a homosexual.
This is the period from the discovery of their personal condition to full acceptance of their homosexuality.
The length of time that this takes is different for every person.

The deciding questions in this period are:

How do I feel about my sexuality?
Am I homosexual, lesbian or bisexual?
How do I respond to my feelings for the same sex?
How can I learn to cope with my feelings?
How will my friends and acquaintances react?
How will I tell my parents, siblings and relatives?
How will my boss and work colleagues react?
Will I be able to show myself, hand in hand with my partner in public?

Coming out means satisfying yourself, recognizing your tendencies, strengths and weaknesses and using them to your advantage.
The step from hiding, to openly admitting that I am gay lesbian or bisexual is the biggest hurdle. Nevertheless, it can become one of the most rewarding part of your life. As you progress with small, but ever increasing steps, you will be met by feelings of relief and satisfaction.

Many can succeed in taking that step only after years of suppressing what appears to be an insoluble problem. Often they have married, and it is only after a broken marriage or when the children are independent that they admit to themselves that they are homosexual.
Feelings of shame and being ashamed are the main factors that stop them from admitting this. Today, it is not like it was 50 years ago, there is no reason to be ashamed of your homosexuality. We are proud and convinced that we can live our own life and be happy with it.

And now the most important part:“I’m happy and want to stay that way !”

Consider your parents position. You yourself took a long time to admit your feelings, give your parents time to accept them too.

If you cant cope with your problems by yourself, or you want to have more information about homosexuality, approach a youth group for homosexuals near you You will meet interesting people, and you will see that you are not alone. If you are afraid to go there, meet someone through our Pride Out-Chat (soon!) or our Privatdate community, who can introduce you, or ring someone from our group who you can meet beforehand.

You can visit any group without commitment – if you don’t feel comfortable you can join another one (if one exists).

Most of the time there is lots of joking in a youth group, and you will find an open ear for your problems. You will see lots of smiling faces who will pass good vibes onto you.

“I am how I am. Some know me, the others can kiss my arse!”

Konrad Adenauer (German Politician)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xM9G1z6bp70[/youtube]

Apart from Pride-Out, further help and information is available from other home pages run by groups, clubs, organizations and private persons. You can also find lots of literature, videos and brochures on the subject.